The Covid-19 pandemic has dimmed the buzz that is ordinarily to be found on the  streets of Mayo’s many towns and villages.

With many businesses remaining shut for the foreseeable future and shoppers forsaking any unnecessary outings as part of the ongoing effort to suppress the spread of the coronavirus, the Easter holidays could prove a dull affair.

That won’t be the case in the town of Ballina however, thanks to the thoughtfulness and creativity of 1st class students from Culleens National School on the Killala Road.

Culleens NS teacher Miss Duffy and SNA Elaine Tighe pictured at the Easter artwork display created by 1st class students in the school for the people of Ballina.

The young boys and girls of Miss Duffy’s class wanted to bring a splash of colour to the town that will spread some joy this Easter and so created some beautiful artwork and decorations which are now exhibited in the former Shoe Zone premises on O’Rahilly St.

Their thoughtfulness and talent was rewarded earlier today when they received a surprise visit from a representative of Mayo Co Council’s Fire Department who presented them with Easter eggs and a personalised letter to thank them for entering the fire service’s Design a Fire Engine competition.

The students pictured with the Easter eggs that were presented to them by the Mayo Fire Service.

The children were delighted to learn that their designs are on display at the Mayo Fire Service office.

The overall winners will be announced in the coming days.